Diamond rings have evolved dramatically over the centuries, reflecting changes in culture, technology, and social status. However, from Medieval times to the 21st century, they’re still considered the most durable and sought-after gemstones.
While clothing, art, music and culture may change over the centuries, diamonds never gone out of style. It’s no coincidence that diamonds have stood the test of time, becoming the ultimate symbol of love and commitment. Here’s a look into the diamond ring trends over the years, and how much it has changed through history:
Looking Back at the Trends of Diamond Rings:
Medieval Times
During the Medieval period in Europe, jewellery was used to classify your status in society. The aristocrats wore the most remarkable jewellery creations, while the rest of the citizens wore pewter and copper. At the time, gemstones weren’t cut or polished bur were often engraved, serving more as status symbols than as objects of beauty. Gemstones were usually imported to Europe, with rubies and emeralds being amongst everyone’s favourite.
The First Diamond Engagement Ring (1477)
One of the first diamonds to be discovered was an estimated 3000 years ago in India. But, it was only until the 11th century that diamonds were transformed into beautiful faceted gemstones. The first time diamonds were used as jewellery creations was when the Hungarian queen’s crown was filled with a wide selection of them. In 1477 Mary of Burgundy was given the first diamond engagement ring from the Archduke Maximilian of Austria. This started the lifelong tradition of asking your significant other’s hand in marriage by using a diamond ring.
Renaissance Period
A well-known aspect of the Renaissance period was the constant quest for beauty. It was during this period jewelry became an object of ornamentation, which symbolized a person’s wealth. As diamonds became more popular in the Renaissance, the art of faceted gemstones was on the up rise. The jewelry also imitated real-life objects like animals, lizards, parrots or pelicans.
Victorian and Edwardian Rings
Victorian rings often featured intricate designs, colored gemstones, and symbolic motifs (like serpents, representing eternal love). The Edwardian era saw diamonds become the dominant gemstone for engagement rings, with ornate, lace-like patterns enabled by advances in metalwork, especially platinum.
Contemporary Diamond Engagement Ring Trends
20th Century Trends
| Decade | Key Trends |
|---|---|
| 1910s | Yellow gold bands with solitaire diamonds. |
| 1920s | Lace-style designs with diamonds set into the metal, reflecting Art Deco influences. |
| 1930s | Strong Art Deco impact: geometric shapes, bold lines, and symmetry in diamond settings. |
| 1940s | White gold surged in popularity; vintage Edwardian styles were revived. |
| 1950s | Post-war prosperity led to a variety of metals (white/yellow gold, platinum) and shapes. |
| 1960s | Platinum became especially popular due to economic growth. |
| 1970s | Cluster rings featuring multiple diamonds became fashionable. |
| 1980s | Flamboyant, bold designs-baguette diamonds on chunky gold settings were in vogue. |
| 1990s | Radiant-cut diamonds were the most popular trend. |
| 2000s | Wide variety settings, classic solitaires, diverse metals (white, yellow, rose gold), and many shapes and sizes. |
The 1910s
During the second part of the 20th-century diamond rings consists of yellow gold bands with a solitaire diamond.
The 1920s
In the 20th century the diamond rings came with an intrinsic lace-style design with a diamond infused in the metal setting.
The 1930s
As much as the Art Deco theme inspired buildings, it also inspired diamond jewellery designs.
The 1940s
During this time, white gold became widely popular for jewellery creations. The metal setting of the ring was incorporated with the vintage Edwardian style.
The 1960s
Due to the post-war boom, platinum became extremely popular in the 60s.
The 1970s
During the 70s, rings were designed to show off clusters of diamonds.
The 1980s
The 80s is known for its flamboyant style that influenced the jewellery design industry significantly. One of the most popular looks was a busy baguette diamond on a chunky gold setting.
The 1990s
Large centre-stones and flashy diamond sizes and shapes were a favourite choice in 90s. The most popular diamond ring trend in the 1990s was the radiant-cut diamond.
The 21st Century
Today, diamond rings come in an unprecedented variety of designs, cuts, and settings. Advances in diamond cutting and metalworking have made previously rare styles accessible to a broader audience. The diamond remains a lasting symbol of love and commitment, treasured across generations.
The Timeless Symbolism of a Diamond
Over the years, diamond jewelry designs have changed significantly due to the discovery of new metals and diamond cutting techniques. Although engagement ring designs have changed dramatically over the years and precious stones and metals have become more available to the public, a diamond remains a timeless symbol of love and commitment you can treasure forever.
